DeRuse Eugene Cooper

DeRuse E. Cooper, longtime Okmulgee businessman, died Saturday morning, April 3, 2010 at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. He was 92 years of age. DeRuse was born March 6, 1918 in Coalton, Oklahoma to Mr. and Mrs. George L. Cooper. He married Dorothy Willou Mitchener on October 25, 1941. DeRuse served his country in the United States Navy and began his lifelong career at Jones Furniture in 1957. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and was formerly an active member of the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce. His greatest love was his wife of 69 years but sports came in a close second. He was a volunteer coach for football, little league baseball, softball and basketball for decades. He served on the Okmulgee school board and his name is on the corner stone of the OHS Brock gymnasium. He loved to drive all over the state and watch ball games and track meets. He spent many weekends hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons and friends he accumulated everywhere he went. DeRuse also loved his church and served on numerous boards and councils over the years. He was a member of the Harmony Sunday school class for over 40 years. In his later years, he spent a lot of time reading and playing bridge when he wasn't on the go. He is survived by his sisters Virginia Daniels of El Paso, Tx and Berna Dene Tuttle of Tahlequah, OK. His sister's-in-law Peggy Cooper of Okmulgee, Ok and LaVene Cooper of Broken Arrow, Ok. His children Margaret Newendorp of Moore, Ok, Dr. Ben Cooper of Lawton, Ok, Helen and Bill Nygard of Okmulgee, Ok and DeRuse Jr. and Penny Cooper of Broken Bow, Ok. His grandchildren Heather and Jon Scherer of Tulsa, Ok, Eric and Christina Newendorp of Tulsa, Ok, Billy and Kyme Nygard of The Colony, Tx, Amy and Mike Jones of Golden, Co, Holly and Dr. Billy Likos of Columbia, Ms, Candace Collins of Guymon, Ok, Allison Cooper of Dallas, Tx, Emily and Shebnem Cooper-Pura of Seattle, Wa, Jessica Cooper of San Jose, Ca, De Cooper of Norman, Ok, Libby Cooper of Norman, Ok and 20 great-grandchildren. He also had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of DeRuse’s Life will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of Okmulgee. Reverend Craig Denslow and Reverend John Crooch will officiate. There will be a Private Family Interment. Casketbearers will be Jon Scherer, Mike Jones, Mike Hutchings, Billy Likos, Pete Blanchard, Don Garrett and Nate Granthan. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclendon-winters.com

DeRuse Eugene Cooper

March 6, 1918 - April 3, 2010